Selection Sunday has arrived but we aren’t off the hook with conference championships just yet. There is some sorting out to do with automatic bids. There may just be five games today, but there’s ample opportunity on the board. Let’s take a look at the games on Selection Sunday. Here are my College Basketball picks for March 17th.
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College Basketball Picks March 17th
Florida vs. Auburn (-5.5) (O/U 155.5)
There aren’t many teams playing the level of basketball Auburn is playing right now. Combine their physicality and depth, and you have the recipe for a 10th-ranked offense and 8th-ranked defense.
This team has put an early Appalachian State loss well behind them en route to a 13-5 conference record. Auburn is seeking their 27th win of the season if they are able to close out the Florida Gators.
There is no doubt both of these teams are making the tournament, but let’s talk about Florida’s peaking at the right time. They have the bigs to compete physically with anyone. They have beaten Auburn before and may be able to take advantage of Auburn’s inconsistent guard play.
The guard play is ultra important in one-game scopes for me. I’m backing the Florida Gators with the points here in the SEC Final. Auburn may have star power, but Florida can match their talent across the board.
The Pick: Florida +5.5
Wisconsin vs. Illinois (-3) (O/U 149)
One of my dark horse National Championship picks is competing in the Big 10 final. It’s not the Wisconsin Badgers. The Illinis’ season hinged on Terrence Shannon Jr., and he has produced in a big way since returning to the lineup.
Shannon is easily the most valuable player in the Big 10 tournament. He has lit up the box score by getting to the free-throw line, something Illinois should continue to press today.
Chucky Hepburn and Tyler Wahl have been healthy for the Badgers, but up and down, Illinois is tough enough and talented enough to beat the Badgers.
The determining factor for me here, in addition to the guard play mentioned above, will be the tempo. Illinois can play every type of game, but they are especially dangerous running in transition. Back the Illini here and next weekend. They are built for a strong run.
The Pick: Illinois -3